ANR in the News 9-17-09
posted on September 17, 2009 7:07am
ANR in the News
ANR in the News is provided by ANR Communications
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It’s Thursday, September 17, 2009
Welcome to the ANR News, a weekly update of news and events
about Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. The following are
recent stories naming MSU ANR [CANR, MAES, MSUE] people and programs in
major national, regional, and local media outlets
September 10, 2009
The Times Herald
Community gardens grow
Alice Rieves, the director of Port Huron soup kitchen
Mid City Nutrition, said this summer it received about 2,200 pounds of
fresh, locally-grown food. That includes watermelons and cantaloupe,
tomatoes, brussels sprouts, squash and cucumbers. Not to mention the
spinach and various lettuces, fresh herbs, cabbage, eggplant and
radishes. "A ton," she said. "Literally a ton of fresh produce. Rieves
said they’ve gained two or three more sources of food from such
community gardens this summer. Liane Allen isn’t surprised. The 4-H
program assistant for the local Michigan State University Extension, who oversees several community gardens in St. Clair County, said the interest in the gardens exploded this year. http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20090910/NEWS01/909100301
September 10, 2009
MSUE Spotlight
Cuppa Jo Java moves on
When I find a program that really captures what makes MSUE
unique, I tend to tell the story of the program, perhaps a few too many
times. One of those showcase items I’ve used many times is the story
of Cuppa Jo Java, a coffee shop started and operated by 4-Hers
in Rapid River, Mich., for more than five years. It’s a great example
of youth learning about entrepreneurship, cooperation and many other
life skills by doing something that enriches their formal education
through 4-H. http://msuespotlight.com/2009/09/10/cuppa-joe-java-moves-on/
September 10, 2009
WZZM13
Most U.S. campuses already reporting flu-like sicknesses
Almost three-quarters (73%) of American colleges and universities are
reporting cases of influenza-like illnesses among students, with the
highest rates in the Southeast and Midwest, the American College Health
Association says. There were 4,045 new flu-like illness cases between
Aug. 29 and Sept. 4 among 204 schools taking part in voluntary
reporting, the new data show. Most schools are not testing to confirm
the virus is H1N1, or swine flu. But the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention says nearly all the flu virus now circulating is H1N1. At Michigan State University
there is a unique situation, administrators are not only trying to
prevent their students from getting H1N1 but also their pigs. "We are
taking some extra precautions and I will interview students prior to
coming into the farm and we will discuss with them the procedures." Dale Rozeboom is a Swine Specialist at the universities extension office,
"I think this year we really will be gracious with students. If a
student is not feeling well we’ll say stay home. Stay in your dorm room.
Seclude yourself. As unattractive as that would be it really would
protect others and protect the animals if you’re in an animal science
class." http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=113502&catid=14
September 9, 2009
Chicago Tribune
Lawmaker wants less greenhouse gas from fuels
Suppliers should provide Michigan motorists with fuels that produce
less of the gases that cause global warming, advocates and a state
legislator said Tuesday. Suppliers could meet the requirement by
changing their fuel mixes to boost content of alternative ingredients
such as cellulosic ethanol, which comes from wood and other plant
matter. ... "Michigan is uniquely qualified to contribute to and
benefit from the emerging bioeconomy," says Steve Pueppke, director of Michigan State University’s Office of Bio-Based Economy. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-michigan-beyondoi,0,1716806.story
September 9, 2009
The State News
Even with budget cuts, tuition might not increase
MSU Board of Trustees members said they would not raise tuition in
light of Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s budget recommendations, which include
an additional $30 million cut to higher education. Granholm released
her budget plan Tuesday for the 2010 fiscal year, which included the
surprise $30 million cut. The governor recommended in February to
decrease higher education funding by $100 million. The budget proposal
also increases 2010 fiscal year revenue by $685 million and cuts
spending by $572 million. It must be settled with the state Legislature
by Oct. 1. MSU Trustee Melanie Foster does not have any intention of
raising tuition despite the potential cuts to MSU’s funding. The
February plan also cut funding for the Cooperative Extension service and Agricultural Experiment Station in half. The two programs combined would receive $32 million under the February recommendations. http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/09/even_with_budget_cuts_tuition_might_not_increase
September 9, 2009
The Harvard Crimson
The Case for Animal Rights
For example, prior to a recent speech I gave at Michigan State
University, representatives from MSU’s student animal rights
organization attempted to arrange a forum that would include Jeff
Armstrong, dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
and myself. I was prepared to argue that animal use is not necessary
and that modern slaughter methods and factory farm confinement
practices are cruel. As chair of the United Egg Producers Animal
Welfare Advisory Committee and as an adviser to McDonald’s on animal
welfare issues, Armstrong would have undoubtedly taken the opposing
view. Considering that he lends his name and prestige (and his MSU
affiliation) to these methods and practices, he seemed to be the ideal
advocate for those who support animal use. Sadly, Armstrong flatly
refused to participate.
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=528842
September 9, 2009
Reuters
4-H Expands Water Quality, Conservation Programming with Support from Toyota, Coca-Cola
With a shared interest in the protection of the environment, the Toyota USA
Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation will fund the expansion of
4-H`s youth water quality and conservation programming, called 4-H2O.
Today, Toyota and Coca-Cola collectively donated an additional $850,000
- $600,000 from Toyota and $250,000 from Coca-Cola - to expand this
important work into five new states - bringing the total program
participation to 10 states. Some of Michigan`s projects work both in
school programming and with 4-H clubs
with a focus of water-related clean up efforts and educational programming. 4-H
youth focus on how every day actions taken impact for better or for worse the
water resources that surround them.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS165239+09-Sep-2009+BW20090909
September 4, 2009
MLive.com
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon: "Sustainability is in our DNA"
Lou Anna K. Simon, president of Michigan State University,
and WJR President and General Manager Mike Fezzey, came up with the
idea that evolved into Greening of the Great Lakes. "The show is a
terrific example of the MSU/WJR partnership," Simon says. "We share
values that we hope make a difference for the state of Michigan." http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/09/msu_president_lou_anna_k_simon.html
September 4, 2009
Economic Times
Greening of roofs gaining popularity in U.S.
Greening of roofs by having plants on them is gaining popularity in the
U.S., where their numbers have increased by 30 percent from 2006 to
2007. Benefits include improved storm water management, energy
conservation, reduced noise and air pollution, improved biodiversity,
and even a better return on investment than traditional roofing. Kristin L. Getter, horticulturist at Michigan State University,
conducted a study to determine the effect of the soil depth on success
of green roofs. The research focused on Sedum, a variety of succulents
known for its drought tolerance. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Environment/US-Greening-of-roofs-gaining-popularity/articleshow/4973168.cms
September 4, 2009
Travers City Record Eagle
Ag Forum: What is IPM?
IPM, or integrated pest management, is a method of insect and disease
management that considers all aspects of the pest, pathogen, host and
environment in a holistic approach to crop production. Growers
utilizing IPM make management decisions based on a foundation of pest
and disease research, as well as careful monitoring to achieve more
effective, economical, environmentally responsible and socially
acceptable outcomes… About the author: Erin Lizotte is a plant
pathologist and the Michigan State University Extension
integrated fruit practice and pest management district educator,
located at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station. She
works with fruit growers throughout northwest Lower Michigan in
research and outreach capacities.
http://www.record-eagle.com/business/local_story_247225523.html
September 3, 2009
Holland Sentinel
4-H’ers prepare for Fair
More than two weeks before the start of the Allegan County Fair, the
livestock barn on the fairgrounds was alive with the squeals—and
oinks and moos—of competition. Allegan County 4-H’ers
pushed, pulled, cajoled and led their pigs into their pens for the
Swine Carcass competition Aug. 25. “That looks like a pretty good hog,”
said judge Susan Ostrom of Dorr about a 245 pound pig raised by Mallory
Weber, 16, from Hopkins. “He’s just kind of a complete hog,” Ostrom
said after looking at the animal’s muscle shape, belly and jowls. The
judge looks over the animals and points out the strong points and areas
for improvement while other 4-H members look on. The pig is then taken
to a butcher and the meat displayed for the 4-H members. They can then
take the meat or sell it. The responsibility of raising an animal
gives 4-H members experience they can’t get anywhere else, according toJanis Brinn, Allegan County Michigan State University Extension educator for 4-H. http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle/x1750349201/4-H-ers-prepare-for-Fair
September 3, 2009
The Davison View Index
Loot for Lunkers
Children and adults now have a new purpose for fishing by “catching some cash,” say state officials. Michigan State University Extension’s
Project FISH (Friends Involved in Sportfishing Heritage) is running a
fundraising program called Loot for Lunkers. “Loot for Lunkers is
similar to walk-a-thons. Participants ask a neighbor, friend, local
business or family member to pledge a certain amount of money per inch
of fish they’re going to catch,” said educational program coordinator Mark Stephens.
Participants in the program will not only get a chance to fish, but
also to be a supporter of sport fishing and to increase the number of
anglers in Michigan.
http://davisonindex.mihomepaper.com/news/2009-09-03/Sports/Loot_for_Lunkers_casts_a_line.html
September 2, 2009
United Press International
New zebra fish cloning method is created
Michigan State University researchers say they have
created an improved zebra fish cloning method in a study that might
further human health research. A team of scientists say their new and
more efficient way of cloning zebra fish is important because zebra
fish are becoming the animal of choice for many researchers. "After the
mouse, it is the most commonly used vertebrate in genetic studies,"
says Jose Cibelli, professor at MSU, who led the
study. "It is used in cancer research and cardiovascular research
because they have many of the same genes we have." http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/09/02/New-zebra-fish-cloning-method-is-created/UPI-83601251913109/
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